DEAN STANLEY ' S IMAGINATION.
[To THE EDITOR OP TEE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Your interesting article on Dean Stanley's historical imagination, in the Spectator of December 23rd, 1893, is, in many respects, true enough, and no doubt that remarkable gift greatly influenced his conception of striking events. But his intimate friends will, I am sure, feel that an all-important point has been overlooked in connection with the particular instances mentioned in his biographer's brief analysis of the subject. The public funeral of Lady Augusta, and the presence of distinguished mourners, made the impressive ceremony a consolation to her husband chiefly because it was the best possible testimony to her high qualities. The exceptional circumstances of Mrs. Stanley's death were the means of drawing greater attention to her merits, and for that reason, most of all, became a solace to her son. And, again, the conspicuousness of Dr. Arnold's death was so far a consolation as it gave his devoted disciple the satisfaztion of feeling that a deeper appreciation of his master's work and character had been thus secured. I think some explanation of this kind is needed to prevent misconstruction of the passage by those who were not well acquainted with the late Dean of Westininster.—I am, Sir, &c.,
40 Curzon Street, December 28th, 1893.
GERALD HARPEr.
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